You are here: Home/News/ Local Main Street Retail Gains Stronger Voice in Senate

September 23, 2017 - Stoneham Chamber of Commerce

Local Main Street Retail Gains Stronger Voice in Senate

Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr announced the appointments of Senators and retailers to the Senate Task Force on Strengthening Massachusetts Local Retail. Among the appointments to the task force is Senator Jason Lewis, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.

The task force will work with the Senate to identify ways to help local retailers become more competitive. It will address a number of key factors, including: challenges faced by local retailers in competing against online sellers; closures of local retail establishments and the impact that has on local economies and property tax bases; initiatives by local retailers to increase their market share; and, how state and local governments can encourage purchasing from local retailers.

“Our local small businesses and Main Street retailers are vital to local economic development and the well-being of our communities,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “Policymakers must work closely with them to help address the challenges they are facing in an ever-changing economy. This task force will provide an important avenue for further collaboration between the private and public sectors. I am eager to hear feedback from retailers in our communities and to work with my colleagues on the task force to achieve solutions that will strengthen prosperity on our Main Streets.”